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Module 6:Interacting with the Gospels in a Meditative way
and a deeper understanding of vocational Work and the Sacrament of Ordination and Marriage
Participants on Module 6
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An Overview of Africa Seminary Module 6
by Clara Knausenberger
From 30th November to 2nd December, all of 22 participants joined in fellowship for the sixth and final module of the 2018 Africa Seminary. This last module explored the connection between world faiths in order to allow a fresh perspective on the Gospel of Luke, in particular. The seminar was led by Rev. Michaël Merle, who built on concepts developed throughout the year around the essential nature and purpose of the human being: Finding meaning in the Spirit. This weekend module particularly highlighted the contributions of the Buddhist Eight-Fold path and its renewed appearance within the Gospel of Luke and anthroposophical thinking. Most welcome during our breaks were singing intermissions led by Rev. Ulrich Becker, who really drew our voices out, surprising us all at how wonderful we could sound together. The singing helped settle the philosophy we were learning into our bodies and prepare us to receive new information after the break.
On the opening evening, participants learned about the contribution of major world religions to the understanding of the spiritual world, and the renewal of Christianity to bring all this into a unified and transformed whole in Christ. Starting with African Traditional Religions, moving to Hinduism, Buddhism, Zoroastrianism, Judaism and Islam, Rev. Merle traced the contributions of the major religions up to the Christian understanding of finding meaning in the spirit. Through the Buddhist Eightfold Path, Steiner’s reflections and the Gospel of Luke, we explored and practiced the following eight ideas that correspond to each step along the Buddhist path to alleviate suffering: Right thinking—correct significance of every idea; Right intention—resolution to act out of well-founded consideration; Right speech—considered significance of speech and communication; Right action—regulation of harmonious actions; Right livelihood—management of a harmonious life in conformity with nature and spirit; Right striving—introducing right habits of life; Right memory—practice of mindfulness; Right meditation--practice introspection in order to take prudent self-counsel.
On Sunday, Rev. Merle explained the historical significance of the Epiphany, as the first great celebration of the church – a festival in celebration of the revelation of God on earth. He then traced the steps which lead to the celebration of Advent (preparing in the present for what is to come) and the 12 Holy Days of Christmas (traditionally a period of spiritual retreat and rest, creating the link between the solar and lunar calendars).
From 30th November to 2nd December, all of 22 participants joined in fellowship for the sixth and final module of the 2018 Africa Seminary. This last module explored the connection between world faiths in order to allow a fresh perspective on the Gospel of Luke, in particular. The seminar was led by Rev. Michaël Merle, who built on concepts developed throughout the year around the essential nature and purpose of the human being: Finding meaning in the Spirit. This weekend module particularly highlighted the contributions of the Buddhist Eight-Fold path and its renewed appearance within the Gospel of Luke and anthroposophical thinking. Most welcome during our breaks were singing intermissions led by Rev. Ulrich Becker, who really drew our voices out, surprising us all at how wonderful we could sound together. The singing helped settle the philosophy we were learning into our bodies and prepare us to receive new information after the break.
On the opening evening, participants learned about the contribution of major world religions to the understanding of the spiritual world, and the renewal of Christianity to bring all this into a unified and transformed whole in Christ. Starting with African Traditional Religions, moving to Hinduism, Buddhism, Zoroastrianism, Judaism and Islam, Rev. Merle traced the contributions of the major religions up to the Christian understanding of finding meaning in the spirit. Through the Buddhist Eightfold Path, Steiner’s reflections and the Gospel of Luke, we explored and practiced the following eight ideas that correspond to each step along the Buddhist path to alleviate suffering: Right thinking—correct significance of every idea; Right intention—resolution to act out of well-founded consideration; Right speech—considered significance of speech and communication; Right action—regulation of harmonious actions; Right livelihood—management of a harmonious life in conformity with nature and spirit; Right striving—introducing right habits of life; Right memory—practice of mindfulness; Right meditation--practice introspection in order to take prudent self-counsel.
On Sunday, Rev. Merle explained the historical significance of the Epiphany, as the first great celebration of the church – a festival in celebration of the revelation of God on earth. He then traced the steps which lead to the celebration of Advent (preparing in the present for what is to come) and the 12 Holy Days of Christmas (traditionally a period of spiritual retreat and rest, creating the link between the solar and lunar calendars).
Africa seminary Module 6 reviewed
by Alexi Kirigin
The sixth and final module of the Africa seminary for 2018 took place on the first weekend of December. Articulately unpacked by Rev. Michaël Merle, we were taken on a journey of comparative religions and the interrelations between the 8-fold path as expressed by Rudolf Steiner in relation to Luke’s gospel.
We were provided with opportunities for self-reflection and interaction through practical exercises of communication used to illustrate each stage of the 8-fold path that resulted in deeper understanding of the concepts presented. These exercises included a reflection of our relationship with time, a sharing of our highlights of the year, and remembering times when we were treated with compassion. This provided deeper insight into the art of listening as opposed to simply hearing and stimulated a greater culture of togetherness and community amongst the diverse range of participants, in addition to increased self-knowledge. Most of us were placed firmly out of our comfort zone (unable to read music) as we strived to perfect complex harmonies under the expert guidance of Rev. Ullrich Becker whose persistence did not waver.
This module was an unforgettable experience and a noteworthy culmination to the African seminary of 2018. Anticipation and excitement for next year’s seminary is in full swing as it will no doubt continue to grow from strength to strength.
The sixth and final module of the Africa seminary for 2018 took place on the first weekend of December. Articulately unpacked by Rev. Michaël Merle, we were taken on a journey of comparative religions and the interrelations between the 8-fold path as expressed by Rudolf Steiner in relation to Luke’s gospel.
We were provided with opportunities for self-reflection and interaction through practical exercises of communication used to illustrate each stage of the 8-fold path that resulted in deeper understanding of the concepts presented. These exercises included a reflection of our relationship with time, a sharing of our highlights of the year, and remembering times when we were treated with compassion. This provided deeper insight into the art of listening as opposed to simply hearing and stimulated a greater culture of togetherness and community amongst the diverse range of participants, in addition to increased self-knowledge. Most of us were placed firmly out of our comfort zone (unable to read music) as we strived to perfect complex harmonies under the expert guidance of Rev. Ullrich Becker whose persistence did not waver.
This module was an unforgettable experience and a noteworthy culmination to the African seminary of 2018. Anticipation and excitement for next year’s seminary is in full swing as it will no doubt continue to grow from strength to strength.
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